Court Rules
Judge

Judge Valerie E. Caproni

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Southern District of New York

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Letter
5 pgs
Memorandum Of Law
25 pgs8,750 wds

Courtesy Copies

All filings

  • 1 copy • Hand Delivery • Within 2 Business Days
  • Email • With Bundled Motion

Binding: Tabbed Three Ring

Courtesy copies

  • 1 copy

Filings > 20 pages

  • 1 copy • Mail Or Hand Delivery • Upon Filing

Formal Motion Papers

  • 1 copy • Hand Delivery • When Fully Briefed

Adjournments

  • Adjournment/extension requests must be by letter and include 5 required elements.
  • Non-compliance with adjournment/extension rules may result in denial.
  • Initial pretrial conference adjournment requests must follow Rule 2(C) and propose Friday morning dates.

Request must include

Reason For RequestOriginal DateNumber Of Previous RequestsAdversary PositionProposed New Dates
48Business Hoursnotice
  • Adjournment/extension requests must be made at least 48 business hours in advance (unless emergency).
48Hoursnotice
  • Adjournment requests must include specific elements and be submitted 48 hours in advance (except emergencies).
Reason For RequestOriginal DateNumber Of Previous RequestsAdversary PositionProposed New Dates

Communication

Email

Chambers

SchedulingTechnical IssuesEmergencies
No status inquiries
Letter via ECF

Intake Unit

No status inquiries
Cases:
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingTRO/InjunctionExhibitsECF FilingLettersJuryMemorandaElectronics

Page & Word Limits2 rules

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If filed by an attorney or prepared with a computer, unless otherwise provided by statute or rule, memoranda of law in support of and in opposition to motions are limited to 8,750 words and reply memoranda are limited to 3,500 words. If filed by a party who is not represented by an attorney and handwritten or prepared with a typewriter, in support of and in response to a motion must not exceed 25 pages, and reply briefs must not exceed 10 pages.

Summary: Word limits: 8,750 for attorney/computer briefs, 25 pages for pro se/handwritten; reply limits 3,500 words/10 pages

8,750 words

Applies to: Attorney

Reply Brief

3,500 words

Applies to: Attorney

25 pages

Applies to: Pro Se

Reply Brief

10 pages

Applies to: Pro Se

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court or in exceptional circumstances, letters should generally not exceed five pages in length.

Summary: Letters should generally not exceed 5 pages in length.

Letter

5 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Document Format Requirements6 rules

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Letters must be filed electronically on ECF unless there is a request to file a letter under seal or a letter contains sensitive or confidential information

Summary: Letters must be filed on ECF unless sealed or contain sensitive information.

Required Format

ECF

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All memoranda must be formatted with one-inch margins and double-spaced and all text must be in Times New Roman, 12-point font. Footnotes may be in smaller font, but in no case smaller than 10-point font.

Summary: Memoranda must use 1-inch margins, double-spacing, Times New Roman 12pt, footnotes min 10pt

Typography
Font FamilyTimes New Roman
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:1"
Left:1"
Right:1"
Bottom:1"
FormattingCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Parties may not submit materials on flash or thumb drives.

Summary: Flash/thumb drives prohibited for submissions.

FormattingCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The exhibit list must be in large font and consist of a chart with four columns labeled: 'Exhibit Number,' 'Document Description,' 'Identified,' and 'Admitted' (with the last two columns left blank).

Summary: Exhibit list must be in large font with specific four-column format.

FormattingCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The exhibit list must be emailed to the Court in both PDF and Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel formats.

Summary: Exhibit list must be emailed in PDF and Word/Excel formats.

Required Format

Excel

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Mobile phones are permitted inside the Courtroom, but they must be kept turned off at all times.

Summary: Mobile phones allowed in Courtroom but must be turned off.

Document Filing Requirements45 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All counsel must file Notices of Appearance on ECF before appearing for a conference or filing any materials on ECF.

Summary: Notices of Appearance must be filed on ECF before conferences or filing materials.

Document Type

Notice Of Appearance

Content & Formatting
Notice Of Electronic Filing
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

In all correspondence with the Court containing a request, the requesting party must indicate whether its adversary consents to the request.

Summary: Requests to Court must indicate whether adversary consents.

Document Type

Letter

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All proposed orders, stipulations, and judgments must be submitted as attachments or exhibits to a letter to the Court filed on ECF explaining the purpose of the proposed order, stipulation, or judgment.

Summary: Proposed orders/stipulations/judgments must be submitted as attachments to ECF letters.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Memoranda of 10 pages or more must contain a table of contents and a table of authorities, which do not count toward the word limit.

Summary: Memoranda of 10+ pages require TOC and TOA (excluded from word count)

Document Type

Memorandum Of Law

Content & Formatting
Table Of Authorities
Table Of Contents
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If a memorandum is filed by an attorney or prepared with a computer, it must include a certificate by the attorney, or party who is not represented by an attorney, that the document complies with the word‐count limitations. The person preparing the certificate may rely on the word count of the word‐processing program used to prepare the document. The certificate must state the number of words in the document. The text in the certificate does not count toward the word‐count limitation.

Summary: Attorney/computer briefs require word count certificate (excluded from limit)

Document Type

Memorandum Of Law

Content & Formatting
Word Count
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Exhibit lists must take the following form: Plaintiff's Exhibits Ex. Description Objection Response P-1 -- -- -- Defendant's Exhibits Ex. Description Objection Response D-1 -- -- --

Summary: Exhibit lists must follow specific format with columns for exhibit number, description, objection, and response.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Proposed requests to charge must include citations to supporting legal authority.

Summary: Proposed requests to charge must include citations to legal authority.

Document Type

Proposed Requests To Charge

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Full transcripts of any depositions from which designations have been made must be submitted electronically in a text-searchable format, either on ECF or by email to CaproniNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov on the same day as the JPTO is due. Designated testimony must be highlighted in yellow if there is no objection and in pink if there is an objection.

Summary: Full deposition transcripts must be submitted electronically in text-searchable format on JPTO due date, with designated testimony highlighted (yellow for no objection, pink for objection).

Document Type

Deposition Transcripts

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Deposition designations must be organized chronologically by witness and must take the following form: John Doe Designating Party Page Range Objection Response [Page #]:[line #] – [Page #]:[line #] Plaintiff/Defendant -- -- [Page #]:[line #] – [Page #]:[line #] Plaintiff/Defendant -- --

Summary: Deposition designations must be organized chronologically by witness in specific format with columns for designating party, page range, objection, and response.

Document Type

Deposition Designations

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each party must also submit an Exhibit List, formatted as follows: Ex. Description Identified Admitted [D/P]-1 -- -- --

Summary: Trial exhibit lists must be formatted with columns for exhibit number, description, identified, and admitted.

Document Type

Trial Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each party shall submit to the Court electronic, text-searchable copies of all exhibits sought to be admitted with pre-marked exhibit numbers by emailing Chambers (CaproniNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov) a link to a password-protected file-sharing site (e.g., Sharefile).

Summary: Trial exhibits must be submitted electronically as text-searchable copies with pre-marked exhibit numbers via password-protected file-sharing site.

Document Type

Trial Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

To the extent a party intends to use, for impeachment purposes, a deposition transcript of any witness who will be testifying in person at trial, the full transcript of the appropriate deposition must also be electronically submitted to the Court with the JPTO in a text-searchable format either on ECF or by email.

Summary: Full deposition transcripts for impeachment must be submitted electronically with JPTO in text-searchable format.

Document Type

Impeachment Deposition Transcripts

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Email, in Microsoft Word format, the Proposed Order to Show Cause and Proposed Default Judgment to Chambers at CaproniNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Proposed Order to Show Cause and Default Judgment must be emailed to Chambers in Word format.

Document Type

Default Judgment

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The 56.1 Statement must be organized into numbered paragraphs, and each numbered paragraph must contain only one factual assertion. Each factual assertion must be supported by a citation to the portion(s) of the evidentiary record relied upon to support the factual assertion. As required by Local Rule 56.1(e), the moving party shall provide all opposing or cross-moving parties with a Microsoft Word version of the 56.1 Statement so that the opposing or cross-moving party may incorporate their responses into a single document, as discussed below.

Summary: 56.1 Statements must be numbered paragraphs with one factual assertion each, supported by citations.

Document Type

56.1 Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If the opposing or cross-moving party makes additional factual allegations, that party must provide the moving party with a Microsoft Word version of its 56.1 Counterstatement. The moving party must file a responsive 56.1 Statement using the same method described above (i.e., by reproducing the entire set of 56.1 Statements and Responses, the opposing or cross-moving party's additional allegations, and the moving party's responses thereto).

Summary: Moving party must file responsive 56.1 Statement reproducing all statements and responses.

Document Type

Responsive 56.1 Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Any attorney seeking to bring such equipment into the Courthouse should e-mail a proposed order to Chambers at least 10 business days in advance of the relevant trial or hearing requesting permission to use such equipment.

Summary: Attorneys must email proposed order to Chambers at least 10 business days before trial/hearing to bring electronic devices.

Document Type

Electronic Device Permission

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Opposing or cross-moving parties must reproduce each entry in the moving party's 56.1 Statement and set out the opposing party's response directly beneath each allegation in a 56.1 Counterstatement. The response must state specifically what is admitted and what is disputed, as well as the basis for any dispute and citations to specific portions of the evidentiary record that supports the existence of a genuinely disputed fact.

Summary: 56.1 Counterstatements must reproduce moving party's statements and respond beneath each allegation.

Document Type

56.1 Counterstatement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If multiple parties are submitting 56.1 Statements in support of or opposition to the same motion, they must coordinate their statements to provide for consecutive, non-overlapping, numbered paragraphs in their respective statements.

Summary: Multiple parties must coordinate 56.1 Statements to avoid overlapping numbered paragraphs.

Document Type

56.1 Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If the Plaintiff (or cross- or counter-claimant) elects not to amend its pleading in response to a motion to dismiss, the motion will proceed in the normal course, pursuant to the briefing schedule set by the Court (or, in the absence of a specific order, pursuant to the briefing schedule set forth in Local Civil Rule 6.1(b)). In that situation, the non-moving party must address in its response whether it seeks leave to amend in the event the motion is granted.

Summary: Non-moving party must address leave to amend in response if not amending pleading.

Document Type

Opposition To Motion To Dismiss

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If a motion to dismiss is filed, the Plaintiff (or cross- or counter-claimant) has a right to amend its pleading within 21 days of the motion, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15(a)(1)(B). If the Plaintiff (or cross- or counter-claimant) elects to amend its pleading, the previously filed motion to dismiss will be denied as moot, and the moving party shall, within 21 days of such amendment: (1) answer or (2) again move to dismiss. If the Plaintiff (or cross- or counter-claimant) elects to amend its pleading, it must file a redlined version of the amended pleading comparing the revisions made to the prior version of the pleading.

Summary: Plaintiff has 21 days to amend pleading after motion to dismiss; must file redlined version.

Document Type

Amended Pleading

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

In both jury and non-jury cases, unless a different schedule has been set by the Court, the parties shall file any motions that address evidentiary issues or other matters that should be resolved in limine no later than four weeks before trial.

Summary: Motions in limine must be filed no later than four weeks before trial.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
Legal Argument
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If submissions include exhibits, the submitting party must also provide Chambers with a CD or a file transfer link containing electronic, text-searchable copies of any exhibits that cannot be submitted as a single file on ECF (e.g., video files or very long documents).

Summary: Electronic exhibits must be provided on CD or file transfer link.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

File a letter on ECF that: (a) requests the redactions or sealing; (b) indicates whether the party’s adversary consents to the redactions or sealing; and (c) explains why redactions or sealing are appropriate, in light of the presumption of access to the federal courts;

Summary: ECF letter required for sealing/redaction requests with specific content.

Document Type

Letter

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Any discovery motion must contain the required Rule 16.1 affidavit.

Summary: Discovery motions must include Rule 16.1 affidavit.

Document Type

Discovery Motion

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

At least 48 hours prior to the hearing, the Government must email to Chambers any plea agreement, cooperation agreement, Pimentel letter, and/or superseding charging instrument.

Summary: Government must email plea/cooperation agreements to Chambers 48 hours before change-of-plea hearing.

Structured details unavailable. See the source text.

Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Requests to charge and proposed voir dire questions must be submitted to the Court at least two weeks prior to trial, unless otherwise ordered.

Summary: Requests to charge and proposed voir dire questions must be submitted at least 2 weeks before trial.

Document Type

Requests To Charge

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All exhibits must be pre-marked.

Document Type

Exhibit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

At least one week prior to trial, the Government must submit to the Court an exhibit list and copies of all exhibits that it intends to use in its case-in-chief by file transfer portal (e.g., USAfx).

Summary: Government must submit exhibit list and copies to Court one week before trial via file transfer portal.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties' sentencing submissions must be filed at least two weeks prior to sentencing, unless otherwise ordered.

Summary: Sentencing submissions must be filed at least 2 weeks before sentencing.

Document Type

Sentencing Submission

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

During trial, if either the Government or the Defense identify or admit any exhibit that has not previously been submitted to the Court, that party must

Summary: Parties must notify Court of any new exhibits identified or admitted during trial.

Document Type

Exhibit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Mobile phones are permitted inside the courtroom, but they must be kept turned off at all times. Non-compliance with this rule may result in forfeiture of the device for the remainder of the proceedings.

Summary: Mobile phones allowed in courtroom but must be turned off; non-compliance may result in forfeiture.

Document Type

Electronic Devices

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The Government is encouraged to adhere to its customary practice of producing § 3500 material prior to trial. If the Government adheres to this practice, it must submit all § 3500 material to the Court in electronic format by file transfer portal (e.g., USAfx) at least one week prior to trial.

Summary: Government must submit § 3500 material electronically via file transfer portal at least one week before trial.

Document Type

Section 3500 Material

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The Court strongly prefers to resolve objections to exhibits prior to the time that trial sessions begin each day. If the parties anticipate prolonged arguments regarding the admissibility of any evidence, they are urged to raise the issue with the Court in advance, so that the Court can hold a conference prior to the time that the trial session is scheduled to begin. All parties must be prepared to appear for such a conference as early as 9:00 a.m. on any day during trial.

Summary: Objections to exhibits must be resolved before trial sessions; conferences may be held at 9:00 AM.

Document Type

Objections To Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Prior court order is required for an attorney to bring into the courthouse any general purpose computing device, such as a laptop or tablet, or any other electronic equipment that does not qualify as a “personal electronic device” pursuant to Revised Standing Order M10-468. In addition, prior court order is required for any attorney who has not obtained a service pass from the District Executive’s Office and wishes to bring a personal electronic device into the courthouse. Any attorney seeking to bring such equipment into the courthouse should e-mail a proposed order to Chambers at least 10 business days in advance of the relevant trial or hearing requesting permission to use such equipment.

Summary: Court order required for laptops/tablets or personal devices without service pass; request must be emailed to Chambers 10 business days in advance.

Document Type

Electronic Devices

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Except for cases in which the pro se party has received permission to participate in ECF or has consented to electronic service, counsel in cases involving pro se parties must serve the pro se parties with paper copies of any document that is filed electronically or otherwise submitted to the Court and must attach a separate proof of service. Submissions without such proof of service will not be considered.

Summary: Counsel must serve paper copies to pro se parties not on ECF and include proof of service.

Document Type

All

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Two weeks after service of the pro se party's Statement, the other party or his or her counsel must file and serve a similar Statement containing the same categories of information.

Summary: Other parties must file similar Pretrial Statement within 2 weeks of pro se party's filing.

Document Type

Pretrial Statement

Content & Formatting
Statement Of Facts
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Absent a request to file a letter under seal, any substantive letter or email received by the Court that is not filed electronically on ECF will be docketed by the Court.

Summary: Unsolicited letters/emails not filed on ECF will be docketed by the Court.

Document Type

Letter

Content & Formatting
Notice Of Electronic Filing
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Proposed voir dire questions should be limited to questions tailored to issues of significance to the particular case. The parties should not include questions designed to adduce standard biographical information, to learn about potential conflicts related to the parties or the attorneys, or to ascertain biases regarding civil cases generally.

Summary: Voir dire questions must be tailored to case-specific issues, not standard biographical or conflict questions.

Document Type

Proposed Voir Dire Questions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Responses to motions in limine shall be filed no later than

Summary: Response deadline for motions in limine (incomplete in source).

Document Type

Opposition To Motion In Limine

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
Legal Argument
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the Court will not hear oral argument in pro se matters.

Summary: Oral argument will not be heard in pro se matters unless otherwise ordered.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

When preparing objections, the opposing party should assume that the proponent of the exhibit will be able to authenticate the document and lay an evidentiary foundation for its admission into evidence. If, however, based on discussions with counsel or knowledge of the case, the opposing party has a good faith basis to believe the exhibit cannot be authenticated or that a foundation cannot be established, then the opposing party should object on that basis.

Summary: Objections to exhibits should assume authentication is possible unless there's good faith basis to believe otherwise.

Document Type

Exhibit Objections

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

Proposed voir dire questions should also include a list of persons and places that may be mentioned during the trial.

Summary: Proposed voir dire questions should include list of persons and places mentioned at trial.

Document Type

Proposed Voir Dire Questions

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

Proposed voir dire questions should include only those questions unique to the facts of the case being tried.

Summary: Proposed voir dire questions should be limited to case-specific questions.

Document Type

Proposed Voir Dire Questions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

The Court generally holds trials on Mondays through Thursdays between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Court may also sit for trial on Fridays if trial proceeds slowly (or as otherwise needed). The Court will generally allow jurors to deliberate on Fridays.

Summary: Trials held Mon-Thu 9:30 AM-5:00 PM; Fridays for slow trials or deliberation.

Document Type

Trial Schedule

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

The Court selects jurors using a struck-panel method.

Summary: Court uses struck-panel method for jury selection.

Document Type

Jury Selection

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Microsoft Word version of proposed orders must be emailed to Chambers.

The parties must also email a Microsoft Word version to the Court at CaproniNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Communications with Chambers

Courtesy copies (tabbed 3-ring binder) due 2 business days after reply service

Not later than two (2) business days after the reply has been served, the movant must mail or hand-deliver to the Court one courtesy copy of all papers relevant to the motion, including those opposing the motion, in a tabbed three-ring binder. Exhibits (if any) must also be organized in a tabbed three-ring binder.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | C. Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies of Supporting Papers must be provided to Chambers.

Provide a courtesy copy of the Supporting Papers to Chambers.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Courtesy copies required for non-electronic sealed documents over 20 pages

b. If the document(s) exceeds 20 pages, provide a courtesy copy of the relevant document(s) to Chambers via mail or hand-delivery.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Two courtesy copies of Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law must be mailed or hand-delivered to Chambers, plus emailed Word versions.

The parties must also mail or hand-deliver to Chambers two (2) courtesy copies of the Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, as well as email Microsoft Word versions of these items to CaproniNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Two courtesy copies of JPTO required, plus Word version by email.

The parties must also mail or hand-deliver to the Court two (2) courtesy copies of the JPTO, in addition to emailing a Microsoft Word version to CaproniNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Courtesy copies required for submissions over 20 pages.

When a submission (including letters, briefs, motions, and other documents) exceeds 20 pages in length, the submitting party must both file the submission on ECF and deliver a courtesy hard copy to Chambers by mail or hand delivery.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | Communications with Chambers

All motions require ECF filing and courtesy copies to Court.

All parties must submit motion papers on ECF and must submit courtesy copies to the Court, following Rule 2.B above.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 3 | Motions

Requests to charge and voir dire questions require ECF filing and Word courtesy copies.

The parties must submit these materials on ECF and must submit courtesy copies to the Court in Word by the Court-ordered deadline.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 4 | Trials

Courtesy copies of sentencing submissions and letters must be submitted to Chambers.

Courtesy copies of written sentencing submissions and letters must be submitted to Chambers, following Rule 2.B above.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 4 | Sentencings

Non-pro se parties must submit courtesy copies to Chambers when reply is fully briefed, not at filing.

One courtesy copy of all formal motion papers, marked as such, should be submitted to Chambers by the non-pro se party at the time the reply is fully briefed. Courtesy copies should not be submitted to chambers at the time of filing. If all parties are pro se, then courtesy copies of formal motion papers are not required.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Email password-protected link to transcripts/videos if not single ECF file

Unless doing so would be unduly burdensome, the movant must also email Chambers (CaproniNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov) a link to a password-protected file-sharing site (e.g., Sharefile) that contains text-searchable copies of any hearing or deposition transcripts, as well as any other item on which the parties rely that cannot be submitted as a single file on ECF (e.g., videos or very long documents).

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | C. Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copy rules also apply to bankruptcy appeals

The same rules apply to appellants seeking review of a bankruptcy court decision.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | C. Courtesy Copies

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Approved non-electronic sealed filings must be submitted to Sealed Records Department with order, unredacted copies, and PDF CD

If the request to file under seal or in redacted form using non-electronic filing is approved, the party that made the request must: a. File with the Sealed Records Department: 1 (1) a copy of the Court’s order granting the redaction/sealing request; (2) an unredacted copy of the document(s) that were the subject of the redaction/sealing request; and (3) a CD containing electronic copies, in PDF format, of the unredacted document(s) that were the subject of the redaction/sealing request.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

File subject documents under seal on ECF with redactions highlighted; mark as related to letter motion; docket text must not reveal sealed info.

File, under seal on ECF, the documents that are the subject of the sealing or redaction request. If a party is filing a motion for redactions, the proposed redactions must be highlighted in the unredacted document(s) filed under seal. The sealed documents must also be marked in the ECF system as related to the letter motion. Note: the summary docket text associated with the sealed document will be visible to the public and should not include any information sought to be filed under seal.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Documents in sealed cases or previously ordered sealed documents must be filed under seal on ECF with courtesy copy to chambers if over 20 pages.

If a case is entirely under seal or if the Court previously ordered that certain documents be filed under seal or with specific redactions, a party need not again request permission to file under seal. The party must file any such document electronically on ECF, under seal, and provide, via mail or hand-delivery, a courtesy copy to Chambers if the document exceeds 20 pages.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Non-electronic sealing requires explanation of why ECF sealing cannot be used

Any party seeking to seal or redact a document without filing the relevant documents on ECF must explain in the party’s letter motion requesting sealing or redactions why the party is unable or unwilling to use electronic sealing on ECF.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Rule 5.2(a) redactions don't need court approval but require filing unredacted version under seal or emailing to chambers.

Redactions made pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5.2(a) do not require Court approval, but the parties must either file the unredacted document(s) under seal on ECF or email the unredacted document(s) to Chambers, at CaproniNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov.

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File letter motion requesting sealing/redaction in public view on ECF.

File, in public view on ECF, the letter motion requesting sealing or redaction.

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Non-electronic sealed documents must be emailed to Chambers; non-sensitive documents must also be filed on ECF

The moving party must also: a. Follow the instructions for Electronic Filing (Rule 5(B)), except that any documents that would otherwise be filed under seal on ECF must be emailed to Chambers (CaproniNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov). The party may transmit documents as attachments or via a link to a drop box from which the Court may download the documents. Any documents that do not contain sensitive information must be electronically filed on ECF, in addition to being emailed to Chambers. Unless a party seeks to file a redacted or sealed document ex parte, opposing counsel must be copied on to all communications with the Court.

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File supporting papers as separate ECF entry, may be under seal/redacted only as necessary.

File, as a separate entry on ECF, any papers in support of the letter motion. Supporting papers may be filed under seal or redacted only to the extent necessary to safeguard information sought to be filed under seal.

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Non-Rule 5.2(a) redactions/sealing require letter motion explaining why sealing is appropriate under Lugosch presumption of access.

Any party seeking to file any pleading, motion, memorandum, exhibit, or other document, or any portion thereof, in redacted form or under seal for reasons other than Rule 5.2(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure must file a letter motion requesting permission from the Court to do so. The letter must explain why sealing is appropriate in light of the presumption of access discussed by the Second Circuit in Lugosch v. Pyramid Co. of Onondaga, 435 F.3d 110, 119–20 (2d Cir. 2006).

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File redacted versions of documents in public view on ECF.

File, in public view on ECF, the redacted versions of any documents that are the subject of a motion to redact.

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Redacted information must be highlighted in unredacted copy.

Information to be redacted must be highlighted.

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Page 2 | Sealing and Redactions

Permission required to file redacted or sealed submissions.

Any party wishing to file a submission in redacted form or under seal must request permission to do so.

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Page 2 | Sealing and Redactions

Redacted version must be filed on ECF unless entire document is sealed.

File the redacted version of the document on ECF, unless the party seeks to file the entire document under seal;

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Page 2 | Sealing and Redactions

Unredacted copy must be emailed to Chambers; courtesy copy if over 20 pages.

Email to Chambers a copy of the document that the party seeks to redact or to file under seal and, if the document exceeds 20 pages, deliver to Chambers a courtesy copy (following Rule 2.B above).

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Page 2 | Sealing and Redactions

Letter motion must indicate opposing party's consent; confidential designations require joint submission.

The letter must also indicate whether the opposing party consents to the proposed sealing or redaction. If a request to file a redacted document is based on another party’s designation of information as confidential, the parties shall confer and jointly submit the request to file the material in redacted form.

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Opposing counsel must have access to all communications unless filing ex parte.

Unless a party seeks to file a redacted or sealed document ex parte, opposing counsel must have access to all communications with the Court.

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Pro se parties must redact sensitive information or request permission to include it.

Pro se parties wishing to file a document already containing this information must submit a version to the Pro Se Intake Unit with this information blacked out or otherwise unidentifiable. If this information is relevant to the case, the filing party must request permission from the Court prior to filing and explain why the information needs to be included.

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Page 2 | Filing of Papers

Sealed documents are not officially filed until submitted to Sealed Records Department or ECF

A document is not actually filed under seal or included as part of the official case record until the party files the document physically with the Sealed Records Department or electronically on ECF.

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Denied sealing/redaction motions result in order to re-file documents in public view while keeping prior submission sealed.

If a motion for sealing or redactions is denied, the Court will generally order the party to re-file the subject documents on ECF in public view, allowing the party’s prior submission to remain sealed on ECF.

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Filing Bundling Requirements

Government must respond to all motions in single omnibus brief when multiple Defendants file.

If multiple Defendants in a case have filed pretrial motions, the Government must respond to all motions in a single, omnibus brief, unless otherwise ordered.

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Page 3 | Motions

Multiple Defendants must submit single joint request to charge and voir dire questions.

If multiple Defendants will be tried, all Defendants must, unless otherwise ordered, submit a single request to charge and a single set of proposed voir dire questions.

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Page 4 | Trials

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Failed discovery disputes require joint call to Chambers for teleconference with Court.

If this process fails and the Court’s intervention is required, the parties must jointly call Chambers to hold a joint teleconference with the Court for prompt resolution of the dispute.

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Page 2 | Conferences

Discovery disputes must first be resolved through good faith meet and confer.

Any party wishing to raise a discovery dispute with the Court must first meet and confer in good faith with the opposing party, in person or by telephone, in an effort to resolve the dispute.

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Page 2 | Conferences

Pre-motion teleconference required before filing Motion to Strike

Before filing a Motion to Strike, the moving party must coordinate a teleconference with Chambers to discuss the proposed motion.

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Page 4 | A. Pre-Motion Submissions

Summary judgment motions generally not available in non-jury cases without good cause.

Absent good cause, the Court generally will not consider summary judgment motions in non-jury cases. If a party wishes to move for summary judgment in a non-jury case, that party should raise the issue in the parties' joint letter submitted before the status conference following the close of fact discovery.

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Expert testimony disputes must be raised at status conference after fact discovery.

Motions to exclude the testimony of experts should not be treated as motions in limine. If the parties anticipate that there will be a dispute over the admissibility of expert testimony, the issue must be raised at the status conference following the close of fact discovery so that the Court may set an appropriate briefing schedule. If such a dispute arises after that status conference, the party disputing the admissibility of the expert's testimony must promptly notify the Court so that an appropriate briefing schedule may be set.

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Initial Rule 16 conference scheduled for Friday morning ~6 weeks after Complaint filing.

The Court will generally schedule a Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 16 conference on a Friday morning approximately six weeks from the filing of the Complaint.

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Page 2 | Conferences

Parties must be prepared to discuss pending/anticipated motions and subject matter jurisdiction at initial pretrial conference.

All parties should be prepared to discuss at the initial pretrial conference any pending or anticipated motions as well as the basis for subject matter jurisdiction.

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Page 2 | Conferences

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Initial pretrial conference adjournment requests must follow Rule 2(C) and propose Friday morning dates.

Requests for adjournments of the initial pretrial conference must be made in accordance with Rule 2(C) of these Individual Practices and must include proposed alternative dates that fall on Friday mornings.

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Page 2 | Conferences

Adjournment/extension requests must be made at least 48 business hours in advance (unless emergency).

Absent an emergency, the request must be made at least 48 business hours prior to the original due date.

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Page 2 | Communications with Chambers

Non-compliance with adjournment/extension rules may result in denial.

Failure to comply with this rule may be grounds for denying an adjournment or extension request.

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Page 2 | Communications with Chambers

Adjournment/extension requests must be by letter and include 5 required elements.

Requests for adjournments or extensions of time must be made by letter and must state: (1) the reason for the proposed adjournment or extension; (2) the original due date; (3) the number of previous requests for adjournment or extension of time; (4) whether the other party or parties consent and, if not, the reason given for refusing to consent; and (5) proposed alternative dates.

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Page 2 | Communications with Chambers

Sentencing adjournment requests must be made by ECF letter at least 3 business days before proceeding.

Any request for an adjournment of sentencing must be made by letter on ECF no later than three business days before the scheduled proceeding.

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Page 4 | Sentencings

Adjournment requests must include specific elements and be submitted 48 hours in advance (except emergencies).

All requests for adjournments or extensions of time must be made by letter and must state: (1) the original due date; (2) the number of previous requests for adjournment or extension of time; (3) whether the adversary consents and, if not, the reason given by the adversary for refusing to consent; and (4) proposed alternative dates. Absent an emergency, the request must be received by the Court at least 48 hours prior to the original due date.

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Page 2 | Communications with Chambers

Chambers Communication Rules

For emergencies, email Chambers with "URGENT" in subject line and copy all parties.

For situations requiring immediate attention from the Court, counsel should email the Chambers inbox requesting the Court’s contact information. The Re line of the email should be marked “URGENT” and the text should provide a short explanation of the emergency and should be copied to all parties.

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Page 2 | Communications with Chambers

All counsel must be copied on sealing emails unless ex parte.

Unless the requesting party seeks leave to file the submission ex parte, all counsel of record must be copied on the email to Chambers.

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Page 2 | Sealing and Redactions

Pro se parties must file via ECF if registered, or mail to Pro Se Intake Unit if not registered; no direct filings to Chambers.

Pro se parties who are registered on ECF should file all letters and motions, absent a request to file a document under seal, via ECF. By Standing Order, a pro se party who is not registered on ECF must mail all communications with the Court to the Pro Se Intake Unit located at 500 Pearl Street, Room 200, New York, NY 10007. A pro se party must not send any document or filing directly to Chambers.

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Page 1 | Communications with Chambers

Non-ECF pro se parties must send all filings to Pro Se Intake Unit.

If the pro se party is not participating in ECF, then the pro se party must send all papers to be filed with the Court to the Pro Se Intake Unit.

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Page 2 | Filing of Papers

ECF filings may not be reviewed same day; use "URGENT" email for immediate attention.

Materials filed via ECF are not necessarily reviewed the same day they are filed. If a submission requires immediate attention, please notify Chambers by an email to the Chambers inbox; the Re line should be marked “URGENT.”

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Page 2 | Communications with Chambers

Contact Courtroom Deputy for questions not answered by rules or for scheduling matters.

For questions that cannot be answered by reference to these Rules or the S.D.N.Y. Local Rules, or for docketing, scheduling, and calendar matters, counsel may contact the Courtroom Deputy, Angela Caliendo, at the Chambers inbox listed above.

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Page 2 | Communications with Chambers

Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives

Junior attorneys encouraged; multiple attorneys may argue upon request

The Court encourages the participation of junior attorneys in all proceedings, particularly where a junior attorney played a substantial role in drafting a submission or preparing a witness. To encourage such participation, the Court will, upon request, allow more than one attorney to argue a motion on behalf of a party.

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Page 3 | C. Court Appearances

Court encourages junior attorney participation in oral arguments and allows multiple attorneys to argue upon request.

As stated above in Rule 3(D)(iii), the Court encourages the participation of junior attorneys in oral arguments, particularly when a junior attorney played a substantial role in drafting a submission. To encourage such participation, the Court will, upon request, allow more than one attorney to argue a motion on behalf of a party.

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About United States District Judge Valerie E. Caproni

**Senior Judge Valerie E. Caproni** was appointed to the Southern District of New York by President Barack Obama in 2013 and assumed senior status on January 7, 2025. Judge Caproni served as General Counsel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2003 to 2011, and previously served in leadership roles at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, including as Criminal Division Chief from 1994 to 1998. She began her career as a law clerk to the Honorable Phyllis Kravitch of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. **Education** - University of Georgia School of Law, J.D., 1979 - Newcomb College Institute of Tulane University, B.A., 1976 **Career** - Senior Judge, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (2025–present) - U.S. District Judge, Southern District of New York (2013–2025) - Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Northrop Grumman Corporation (2011–2013) - General Counsel, Federal Bureau of Investigation (2003–2011) - Private practice, New York City (2001–2003) - Regional Director, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Los Angeles (1998–2001) - Assistant U.S. Attorney, EDNY (1985–1989, 1992–1998); Criminal Division Chief (1994–1998) - General Counsel, New York State Urban Development Corporation (1989–1992) - Private practice, New York City (1980–1985) - Law clerk to Hon. Phyllis Kravitch, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit (1979–1980)

**Courthouse:** Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, 40 Foley Square, New York, NY 10007 **Chambers Staff** - Scheduling/Contact: Chambers contact via court website

Common questions about Judge Valerie E. Caproni's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Valerie E. Caproni?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for proposed orders, stipulations, and judgments. Details: delivery upon filing, by email. Microsoft Word version of proposed orders must be emailed to Chambers.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Communications with Chambers

Does Judge Valerie E. Caproni require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Valerie E. Caproni's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Discovery disputes must first be resolved through good faith meet and confer.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Conferences

What page or word limits apply to memorandum of law before Judge Valerie E. Caproni?

Judge Valerie E. Caproni's rule states these limits: attorney: 8750 words; attorney: 3500 words; pro se: 25 pages; pro se: 10 pages. Word limits: 8,750 for attorney/computer briefs, 25 pages for pro se/handwritten; reply limits 3,500 words/10 pages

View ruleSource: page 4, section B. Memoranda of Law

What page or word limits apply to letter before Judge Valerie E. Caproni?

Judge Valerie E. Caproni's rule states these limits: attorney: 5 pages. Letters should generally not exceed 5 pages in length.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications with Chambers

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Valerie E. Caproni?

Judge Valerie E. Caproni's formatting rule includes file format ECF. Letters must be filed on ECF unless sealed or contain sensitive information.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications with Chambers

What must be included with notice of appearance filings before Judge Valerie E. Caproni?

The rule requires notice of electronic filing. Notices of Appearance must be filed on ECF before conferences or filing materials.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Notices of Appearance

What must be included with letter filings before Judge Valerie E. Caproni?

The rule requires adversary consent indication. Requests to Court must indicate whether adversary consents.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications with Chambers

How may parties contact Judge Valerie E. Caproni's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Valerie E. Caproni's chambers. For emergencies, email Chambers with "URGENT" in subject line and copy all parties.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Communications with Chambers

How does Judge Valerie E. Caproni handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Valerie E. Caproni's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf. File letter motion requesting sealing/redaction in public view on ECF.

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Valerie E. Caproni?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include reason for request, original date, number of previous requests, adversary position, and proposed new dates. Adjournment/extension requests must be by letter and include 5 required elements.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Communications with Chambers

Does Judge Valerie E. Caproni require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Valerie E. Caproni requires bundling for covered papers. Government must respond to all motions in single omnibus brief when multiple Defendants file.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Motions

Does Judge Valerie E. Caproni encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Valerie E. Caproni's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior attorneys encouraged; multiple attorneys may argue upon request

View ruleSource: page 3, section C. Court Appearances
Complete rules summary for Judge Valerie E. Caproni

File letter motion requesting sealing/redaction in public view on ECF.

Letters must be filed on ECF unless sealed or contain sensitive information.

Notices of Appearance must be filed on ECF before conferences or filing materials.

Unsolicited letters/emails not filed on ECF will be docketed by the Court.

Requests to Court must indicate whether adversary consents.

Letters should generally not exceed 5 pages in length.

Contact Courtroom Deputy for questions not answered by rules or for scheduling matters.

For emergencies, email Chambers with "URGENT" in subject line and copy all parties.

Adjournment/extension requests must be by letter and include 5 required elements.

Adjournment/extension requests must be made at least 48 business hours in advance (unless emergency).

Non-compliance with adjournment/extension rules may result in denial.

Proposed orders/stipulations/judgments must be submitted as attachments to ECF letters.

Microsoft Word version of proposed orders must be emailed to Chambers.

ECF filings may not be reviewed same day; use "URGENT" email for immediate attention.

Initial Rule 16 conference scheduled for Friday morning ~6 weeks after Complaint filing.

Initial pretrial conference adjournment requests must follow Rule 2(C) and propose Friday morning dates.

Parties must be prepared to discuss pending/anticipated motions and subject matter jurisdiction at initial pretrial conference.

Discovery disputes must first be resolved through good faith meet and confer.

Failed discovery disputes require joint call to Chambers for teleconference with Court.

Memoranda of 10+ pages require TOC and TOA (excluded from word count)

Memoranda must use 1-inch margins, double-spacing, Times New Roman 12pt, footnotes min 10pt

Attorney/computer briefs require word count certificate (excluded from limit)

Courtesy copies (tabbed 3-ring binder) due 2 business days after reply service

Email password-protected link to transcripts/videos if not single ECF file

Courtesy copy rules also apply to bankruptcy appeals

Pre-motion teleconference required before filing Motion to Strike

Letter motion must indicate opposing party's consent; confidential designations require joint submission.

Junior attorneys encouraged; multiple attorneys may argue upon request

Plaintiff has 21 days to amend pleading after motion to dismiss; must file redlined version.

Non-moving party must address leave to amend in response if not amending pleading.

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